Viewers anticipate the return of Doctor Who

THE ever-popular British science fiction programme Dr Who returns to our screens on August 23., writes Rachel Nash

Fans are eagerly anticipating this eighth series of the new Who era, that sees Peter Capaldi take on the role of the doctor for the first time.

He is the twelfth actor to play the iconic character, following esteemed predecessors that include Jon Pertwee, Tom Baker and David Tennant.

Doctor Who fans have been told to expect a darker, more enigmatic version of the Doctor, as the stars and show runners have embarked on a world tour to promote the new series.

But who is our favourtie Doctor? The grumpy William Hartnell, dashing Jon Pertwee, eccentric Tom Baker or Matt Smith and David Tennant who have brought the Time Lord and his enemies the Daleks, Cybermen and Sontarans to a whole new generation of fans.

The Free Press took to the streets of Ruthin to find out fans’ favourite Dr Who moments, and to ascertain which actor best portrayed the doctor.

Colette Howarth, who is visiting Ruthin from North Yorkshire, said: "David Tennant is my favourite Dr Who. I think he was the first light-hearted one, he brought the programme into the new era.

“The relationship between the doctor and the mother is my favourite. I've been a fan for years, I've got all the episodes on Netflix from the very beginning. I love it. "

Michelle Herbert, a Brain Tumour Society operations manager visiting Ruthin from Cardiff, said: "Tom Baker was the Doctor Who of my time. I'm a bit of a sci-fi fan so since they've revamped it and brought it up to date it's much better.

“The new episodes are really scary - the 'weeping angels' especially, it's because they're quite realistic and feasible. The older things weren't as scary, like the green monsters, because they weren't as realistic."

Stephen Herbert, also from Cardiff, said: "We watched it from the early days and now and again we watch it now. John Pertwee was my favourite - not for any particular reason. I watched it a lot in years gone by."

The first episode of the new series airs on BBC One on August 23.

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